‘We Need A Change’: Josh Hawley Believes McConnell’s Leadership Will Hurt GOP In 2024

Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) called for a change in GOP Senate leadership after longtime leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) froze up twice in apparent medical episodes. Despite back-to-back concerning freeze-up episodes, McConnell has given no indication that he plans to resign while a physician has medically cleared him to continue his work.

“McConnell stays in as leader through the end of 2024. How does that affect Republicans’ chances? Are you concerned?” Fox News host Laura Ingraham asked Hawley on Thursday. “Yeah, I am concerned,” Hawley replied.

“I get asked about it constantly. I understand why people are concerned about it, I’m concerned about it. Listen Laura, I’ll be honest with you, I didn’t vote for Mitch McConnell for leader. He is not my choice to be leader and so I think we need a change,” he continued. “I’ve said that for months.”

Hawley was among 10 Republicans who voted against McConnell’s continued leadership this past January. Other known “no” votes included Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Mike Lee (R-UT), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Mike Braun (R-IN) Rand Paul (R-KY), Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Hawley.

Josh Hawley says Mitch McConnell is done and the GOP will struggle in the 2024 election with him as leader:

"I am concerned. I think we need a change." pic.twitter.com/BwnY5QUnsj

— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) September 8, 2023

Earlier in the day, Hawley told reporters that McConnell should step down after his apparent medical episodes. “If you’re concerned about the president’s ability to do his job, and I am, and a lot of Republicans say they are, you have to be concerned when it’s someone from your own party,” he said. “Do I think McConnell should be Leader? No. If you’re concerned about Biden’s ability to do his job, then you’ve got to be concerned when it’s somebody of your own party.”

While McConnell has stated that he intends to remain in the Senate for the time being, a report from the Daily Caller has provided insight as to who his likely replacement will be.

“The alternative is really just a look-a-like in Cornyn or Thune. My understanding is that Thune is likely to really inherit the McConnell infrastructure and he seems to be the one that is likely to get it. At some point when McConnell does leave, in some form or fashion, I don’t think Cornyn is without a shot,” reported the Daily Caller’s Henry Rogers.”I think he has a chance but I don’t see anybody else. I don’t see a viable outsider alternative coming into play,” a former Senate Chief of Staff told the Caller of Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and John Thune of South Dakota.”